A 1-0 win over Norwich at home is hardly one to set pulses racing. It certainly did little to help soothe Arsenal's troubles after a torrid week when Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager for 20 years, had to defend his tenure by claiming that the banks forced him to stay as a prerequisite for loans to build the Emirates Stadium.

This season has been a sour tale for the likes of fallen giants like Chelsea and Manchester United. However, Arsenal, despite lying above both of those teams, have been undergoing the most bitter storyline. Saturday's game saw some Arsenal fans mount an open protest by unfurling banners calling for Wenger to resign, the most open sign yet of dissent against their longtime manager. Arsenal were also booed during their unimpressive win.

There is no doubt that Wenger has served Arsenal with enormous distinction, winning three Premiership crowns and six FA Cups, one more than the great Alex Ferguson. When Wenger ­retires, it will be a sad day for the club and the end of a fine era. Wenger deserves to leave on his terms with as much dignity and respect as he deserves. This writer ­sympathizes with the Arsenal fans who have become angry, but not with the "Wenger out" sentiment, because it is not Wenger but the players who need to take on most of the blame.

Wenger has a habit of always defending his players and rarely publicly criticizing his team. It is obvious that he cares a lot, and he would never cast off star players ruthlessly like Ferguson or openly blame players such as Jose Mourinho. But Wenger needs to stop being so protective.

In recent weeks, Wenger has become more forthright, admitting that the team has not done as well as it should and refusing to guarantee Theo Walcott would stay on for next season. However, Wenger will need to go further than that. For one, there are too many oft-injured players on the squad. While younger ones like 22-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may deserve some more time, there is little sense keeping older players on if they cannot stay healthy and contribute.

Arsenal seem to have fine team spirit when things are going swimmingly, judging by the jubilant team selfies they post on social media after big wins. But when things go bad, that team spirit is nowhere to be seen on the field. Players visibly appear upset and confused, and there are no clear-cut leaders shouting and encouraging each other. Arsenal need fewer team selfies and more steel and resolve instead of letting their manager be publicly castigated week ­after week. 

The author is a Hong Kong-based freelance writer. hcpyip@gmail.com